In this article, we will describe 10 epilepsy facts. Let’s start with the basics.
Epilepsy is the tendency to have repeated seizures which start in the brain. All humans have the potential to have a seizure, and epilepsy.
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions, affecting approximately 1 in 100 people. But as many as one in 20 people will have a one-off seizure in their life. However, this does not mean they have epilepsy.
A seizure is a sign of temporary disruption to brain function, caused by excessive electrical activity.
An EEG (electro-encephalograph) of the brain as a seizure starts
Most seizures last under 15 seconds. But they can last up to 5 minutes. If a person has a seizure that lasts longer than ten minutes, they should be taken to hospital. A seizure that lasts at least 30 minutes is called ‘status epilepticus’. This is a medical emergency that may lead to permanent brain damage.
Most people fully recover from a seizure within an hour, but it can take some people several hours, sometimes even days before they feel back to normal again.
Epilepsy can affect anyone, of any age. No two people experience epilepsy in exactly the same way. For one person, epilepsy can mean complete seizure control on medication. For another, it can mean uncontrolled and frequent seizures despite medication.
In 75% of cases, the cause is unknown. It may be partly caused by your genes affecting how your brain works; as around 1 in 3 people with epilepsy have a family member with it.
Occasionally, epilepsy can be caused by damage to the brain from:
There are over 50 different types of seizures and epilepsy, and a person can have more than one type. Seizures can be very different, depending on where in the brain they are happening. Some people remain aware throughout, while others can lose consciousness.
Seizures are generally divided into two main types: focal seizures and generalised seizures.
A diagnosis of epilepsy can have life-changing consequences. These can include the loss of a driving licence, reduced independence, and disruption to employment. It can also affect someone’s education and employment prospects, and lead to an increased degree of social isolation and depression.
We have described 10 epilepsy facts. We hope you understand it better now.